Preparing students against malice

Published: 16 April 2007

Ever since the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, "lockdown" is a
word that's been dropped into student handbooks across America. When
shots are heard, go immediately into a protective lockdown mode and
await further instructions. But how do you lock down a sprawling
campus? Malice can find its way into the minds and hearts of persons
young or old. Once there, malicious intent can release destructive
force. Prevention failed at Virginia Tech but preparation, through
counselling centres and campus ministries, is always possible - Fr William J Byron